University of Albany Softball Uses No-Hit Shutout to Gain Doubleheader Split

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Kennesaw, Ga. – Leah McIntosh tied a career-high with 12 strikeouts in earning her first career no-hitter to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 win over Kennesaw State in the nightcap of a non-conference softball doubleheader at Bailey Park on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls took game one by a score of 3-0 to earn the split.

McIntosh, a sophomore right-hander, recorded her third shutout and seventh complete-game effort of the season. She allowed just two walks in the game, while improving her record to 5-3 in the circle. McIntosh threw the first seven-inning, no-hit shutout by a UAlbany hurler since May 6, 2006.

UAlbany came out on top of a pitcher’s dual, as the game was scoreless until the top of the seventh inning. The Great Danes got two runners on base by virtue of a fielder’s choice and a single by third baseman Meagan Butsch. With two outs, Andrianna Walraven singled to right field, scoring pinch runner Tara Dalton. Kennesaw State’s Angela Lopez struck out Kat Smith to end the inning. The Owls were unable to produce in the bottom of the frame, and McIntosh recorded her 12th strikeout of the day to end the contest. Lopez finished with nine strikeouts and allowed five hits.

Defensive player Jessica Cross and first baseman Corri Connally each recorded two hits and one RBI to lead Kennesaw State in the early game. The Owls scored their first run in the bottom of the opening frame, as Connally knocked a single to right field to send Amanda Malcom, who recorded a single earlier in the inning, across home plate.

Kennesaw State (23-9) tacked on another run in the fifth. Left fielder Jordan Hackett was hit by a pitch to reach base, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Malcom. Cross drove a two-out double into left centerfield to score Hackett, before UAlbany pitcher Marissa Powell induced Connally’s flyout to end the inning.

The Owls added an insurance run in their half of the sixth on an RBI single up the middle by third baseman Hollie Huffman. Kennesaw State’s Brittany Matthews earned the shutout win with seven strikeouts, improving to 15-3 on the season.

Powell tossed a complete game, fanning two opposing batters. Freshman first baseman Gina Mason recorded two hits for the Great Danes, while second baseman Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa) and Walraven each had singles.

UAlbany (7-9) will host crosstown-rival Siena in the Great Danes’ home opener on Thursday at Albany Field. The first pitch of the doubleheader will be thrown at 2:30 p.m.